Why Y Generation Engagement vs Attendance
The conclusion of Membership Month
provides the opportunity to try to
address the vexing question of why
Rotary’s focus on attendance seems
to have become perceived by many
Rotarians as a real impediment to
recruiting and retaining members.
As clubs, and Rotary as an
organisation, contemplate how to
reverse the declining membership
trend that seems to have become
entrenched over the last decade
in Australia and other developed
countries, attendance demands of
Rotary are invariably cited as a reason
for people leaving or not joining.
There is a groundswell of opinion that
Rotary needs to give more weight to
engagement rather than attendance
so that members can balance
their busy lives by concentrating
on outcomes rather than process
in Rotary. The argument is that
flexibility and responsiveness are
more important than the traditional
adherence to weekly meeting
attendance.
There is a body of evidence to support
engagement as the key to connecting
with members of the so called Y
generation, those born between the
early 1980’s and the late 1990’s. Those
born at the start of that generation
are very much potential Rotarians and
indeed many of them are.

Michael McQueen, who spoke at the
District Conference in Melbourne
this year, is from the Y generation
and an expert on the generation.
He is also a Rotarian. His company,
TheNexgenGroup is a training
consultancy and he has also authored
a successful book called “The New
Rules of Engagement”. In this book
there are many tips about how to
understand and connect with the Y
generation. It is clear that for the Y
generation outcomes are indeed far
more important than process and
commitment is very much favoured
over compliance.
Rotary International have not been
entirely asleep at the wheel on such
matters and over time have softened
attendance compliance rules. Some
traditional Rotarians might argue
that the concession on attendance is
part of the membership problem in
that members have so many options
to minimise attendance that they
do not establish the deep bonds of
friendship and commitment that have
characterised Rotary. After all, Rotary
started as a meeting and the regular
meeting has been the cornerstone of
Rotary ever since, even though service
has become our objective and the

Clarice Caricare
Do you have a letter for
Clarice? Is something
on your mind?
Send Clarice an mail
at clarice@rotarydistrict9800.org.au

August is Membership
and Extension Month

1

five Avenues of Service guide the work done by clubs. A
club by definition is a voluntary association dedicated to a
particular interest or activity, meeting on a regular basis.
In any event Rotarians can comply with official attendance
requirements and still avoid traditional attendance
frequency at their meetings. They can makeup via e-clubs,
do the odd bit of service and basically attend only a minimal
number of their club’s regular meetings. And of course
poor attendance does not necessarily result in automatic
termination of membership because the Board of a club
“may” rather than “must” terminate for poor attendance.
Boards are often pragmatic about attendance and hope
that in time a poor attending member will come back to
committed attendance at Rotary.
But Boards also have a pretty good idea of who is actually
making a contribution to their club so that in many cases
Boards are in fact making the call on those who are
engaged whether or not their attendance is in line with
the Standard Club Constitution as set out in the Manual of
Procedure.
We are not yet quite at the stage where I can give clubs
an alternative to the permitted options for recognising
attendance but I can make some comments, even if it is at
the risk of confusing an already complex debate.
In calling for engagement to be the yardstick we really need
to agree on how to value the alternatives to attendance.
Therein lies the challenge. Already the club is able to
credit attendance at a service project authorised by the
Board, which clearly represents engagement by anyone’s
definition.

Rotary District 9800

Other critical activities such as the maintenance of the club
website and preparation of a quality bulletin might also
be examples of significant engagement even if there is no
provision to credit it as such within our present system.
How do we recognise the Rotarian who commits countless
hours to devising and managing a club project?
The problem is how to equalise the value of different forms
of engagement. Perhaps the core values of Rotary provide
the clue. If a Rotarian actively participates in service and
fellowship opportunities and acts with integrity, contributes
to club diversity and provides community leadership is this
not the test? Perhaps it should be optional as to whether
this is achieved via a regular club meeting or a combination
of alternative activities.
The ultimate valuation of worthy activities may become
clearer as clubs quantify the value of their activity through
Rotary Club Central. If you are not familiar with this
innovation, check it out at the rotary.org website.
Alternatively, many clubs have a Friends of Rotary option,
which may be the answer for people with passion but
unable to commit at this time to the obligations of being
a Rotarian. However we define engagement we must all
recognise that being a Rotarian does require commitment,
the debate is really how we measure it. Either way, Rotary is
still amazing.
Dennis Shore
District Governor

Issue 6 of 2012/2013 August 31, 2012

2

Youth Programs Pay Dividends
By Anne Peace, RC Bendigo South

Rotary and Rotarians have been enthusiastic supporters of many great programs that develop our young
people of today into the leaders of tomorrow. We know about high profile achievers such as Sir William
Deane and Virginia Trioli, who were the beneficiaries of Rotary’s ambassadorial Scholar program.
But all of the programs from Rotary youth initiatives, such as the Youth Exchange program, RYLA, RYPEN
and NYSF make a significant contribution to the development of all the participants.
Every once in a while those opportunities are again leveraged through Rotary to make a real difference for
the future.
Rotarians who have been associated in any capacity with the National Youth Science Forum know how it
transforms already vibrant young people into confident, articulate and well-rounded leaders for the future.
Bevan Main is one such person.
Bevan was born in 1990 and educated at Lockington Primary School, Echuca Secondary College and Echuca College. During his secondary
schooling, Bevan was involved in many extracurricular activities, such as Rotary public speaking
and debating events. These culminated in him
being selected to attend The National Youth Science Forum in Canberra in January 2007. He was
sponsored by the Rotary Club of Echuca-Moama.
He moved to University College, Melbourne, and
completed his Bachelor of Science degree at The
University of Melbourne, followed by an Honours year in the neuropharmacology laboratory.
His honours research project focused on Parkinson’s Disease.
In 2012 he was accepted as a student to complete
a PhD in Neuropharmacology and was awarded
an Australian Rotary Health-Ron Fallaw Scholarship.
His PhD research into Parkinson’s Disease involves the roles of the immune system and injury
in the development of the disease.
But Bevan is not just an academic. He is also a football umpire in the Echuca area, officiating at games in the
Heathcote district football League. In 2011 he was invited to trial in the VFL.
Rotary has been rewarded by Bevan’s all-round achievements and it seems fitting that Rotary continues to
pay a big part in Bevan’s journey through life.

Rotary District 9800

Issue 6 of 2012/2013 August 31, 2012

3

Australian club promotes Rotary on the air
By Peter Schmidtke, Rotary International News

An eastern Australian Rotary club has taken to the
airwaves weekly to spread the word about Rotary in
its community.
The Rotary and Community Service radio show
is a product of the Rotary Club of Canterbury,
Victoria, and has aired on Whitehorse Boroondara
Community Radio, serving Melbourne’s eastern
suburbs, since 2006. The two-hour music and talk
program, produced by club president Brian Bloomer,
includes an interview each week with Rotarians
about their service projects, how they improve
people’s lives, and how the public can get involved.
Bloomer originally served as the sole interviewer for
the talk segment but now he shares the task with
fellow club members David Proud and Neil Williams
and Rotaractor Andy Reed, who each present one
show per month.

guests will be ready to give a good interview. He
says he keeps the show interesting by asking his
subjects open-ended questions and selecting music
that will appeal to his audience.
Full Story at http://www.rotary.org/en/
MediaAndNews/News/Pages/091012_news_
radioshow.aspx
Listeners can stream live broadcasts on Fridays, 6-8
p.m. http://www.3wbc.org.au/

He freely admits that he is not a radio professional.
Before taking to the airwaves, Bloomer took
courses offered by Australia’s national broadcasting
association. He also filled in several times on other
radio programs before approaching the station
about creating his own show.
Bloomer prepares well in advance of each
broadcast, developing a written script and
scheduling topics far enough ahead of time so

Bloomer and Japanese Ambassadorial Scholar Chinatsu Endo after an episode of the Rotary and Community Service radio show that aired in August 2008.
Photo courtesy of Brian Bloomer

Business tips: How to boost your work/life balance

Striking the right balance between work and play is tough, especially in these modern times where many of
us are never really ‘away’ from work thanks to smart phones

Schedule your leave

According to Roy Morgan research cited in The Age, one in four fulltime Australian workers stockpiles their leave, with the availability of
funds blamed as the biggest barrier to taking a holiday. In light of this,
it’s important to note that a break doesn’t have to be expensive — for
many, taking a week of annual leave and staying at home would be the
best way to recharge their batteries. Working for months — or years —
with no break puts you at risk of burning out. At the start of the year,
look at your work calendar and assess the ‘peak’ and ‘low’ seasons.
Then consider when you could take a few breaks, and schedule the
leave early. You’ll also have something to look forward to during the
toughest work days.
Rotary District 9800

Issue 6 of 2012/2013 August 31, 2012

4

Success
at MUNA
By Neville Page, D9800 MUNA Chairman
This year’s District MUNA program came to an end a week or so ago in Canberra when our two teams went there to
represent our district at the National MUNA.
As in the last few years we continued with the policy of sending
the winning team and a combined team. Our winning team was
Blake Dunne and Kapil Bhargava from Scotch College (sponsored by the Toorak club) and the combined team was Anne
Williamson from Wesley College (sponsored by the Melbourne
club) combined with Emily Kayes from Sacred Heart Girls College (sponsored by the Chadstone East Malvern club). At Canberra, the boys represented Switzerland and appropriately were
very even handed. They abstained from all votes while the girls
represented France.
There were 32 teams from most states of Australia and the
debating standard was the highest ever, with nearly every team
performing exceptionally well. The result for our district was
excellent, with our combined team coming second and our other team coming third. Interestingly, the team that won
was the only other combined team there.
It was an exceptional experience for the students who had the privilege of debating in the House of Assembly in Old
Parliament House, as well as being given a tour of the Australian National University. They were hosted by the University for a prestigious dinner on the Saturday night, with an excellent guest speaker.

Former Rotary Scholar Helps New Mothers with HIV
By Dan Nixon, Rotary International News

Aadila Sabat is on a personal mission to help achieve one of the United Nations Millenium Development Goals.
“We can all do something to heed the call to action from the United Nations to eliminate
by 2015 all new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive,” says
the former Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar from South Africa. “Because the
transmission of HIV/AIDS from mother to child is preventable.”
The rate of transmission is as high as 45 percent for mothers with HIV who don’t receive
antiretroviral drugs, according to the World Health Organization. Use of the drugs, however, decreases the transmission rate to less than 2%.
Sabat works in Los Angeles for mothers2mothers, a nongovernmental organization that
educates and supports pregnant women and new mothers on issues related to HIV and maternal and child health. She
helps train new mothers living with HIV to provide such support to women like themselves. These “mentor mothers”
then work alongside doctors and nurses to serve the needs of this population group, helping to lessen the burden on
critically understaffed health systems.
In addition to saving lives, achieving the UN’s goal is an economic imperative, says Sabat. “It costs less then $100 to
stop the transmission of HIV/AIDS from a mother to her child during pregnancy, but if that baby is born HIV-positive the
cost [of treatment] is $150,000.”
Since 2001, m2m has grown from a single site in Cape Town to more than 700 in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa,
with offices also in London and Los Angeles. One of the first donations to the organization came from the Rotary Club
of Waterfront in Cape Town.
Sabat’s connections with m2m and Rotary go back to her teenage years in Cape Town. She was president of her Interact and Rotaract clubs, and a Rotary Youth Exchange student to France.
Full Story at: http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/111027_news_sabat.aspx
Rotary District 9800

Issue 6 of 2012/2013 August 31, 2012

5

ANZAC Centennial Tour, 2015
The Centenary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli
in 2015 will be an important moment in the history
of Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. It was
the events of the Gallipoli campaign in 1915 that
ultimately helped shape our nations. The Rotary
Club of Balwyn plans to have around 130 Rotarians,
partners and friends on site to commemorate this
historic event.

to access the Gallipoli peninsula to explore ANZAC
memorials and places of interest. Accompanying
us will be an Australian historian and former RAAF
intelligence officer who will provide us with his
unique perspective. The Mayor of Gallipoli will
host a tour of his city where we can observe the
celebrations for Turkish National Sovereignty and
Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day.

In April 2015, a luxury cruiser will anchor near
Gallipoli allowing passengers a unique view and
access to the battlefields where so many died a
century ago.

The ANZAC day commemorative services including
the dawn service are held within the Gallipoli
Historical National Park. The New Zealand and
Australian Governments, along with counterparts
in Turkey have commenced discussions about
strategies for attendance at Gallipoli for ANZAC
Day 2015. As planning is still in its infancy, we are
not able to guarantee how the commemorations
will be operated or where members of the Rotary
ANZAC Centennial Tour will be able to view the
commemorations. Full details will be advised as
known

The commemoration will be unique. It will
acknowledge the heroes, stories and the bond
that has grown between those who live in Turkey,
Australia and New Zealand today.
The 2015 tour is a project of the Rotary Club of
Balwyn, with the APT Travel Group appointed to
handle all travel arrangements. APT is recognized
as a leading tour operator in Australia and with its
international partners they are able to offer tour
participants the exclusive use of the MS Island
Sky, a boutique luxury cruiser with capacity for 114
passengers.
The MS Island Sky is operated by Noble Caledonia,
a cruise line recognized for its educational and
special interest offerings. MS Island Sky is one of
the finest small ships travelling the world today.
Her boutique size means she can manoeuvre into
small docks and squeeze into bays off limits to
large cruise ships. Another plus is the open-bridge
policy which allows guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; access to the Captain
and Officers throughout the cruise and encourages
an intimate atmosphere on board. The ship has 57
suites and a crew of 75.

For further information see the advertisement on
the back page of RDU and those wishing to register
an expression of interest can contact APT on
Australia 1800 655 440 or New Zealand 0800 278
687.
More details: http://www.balwynrotary.org.au/
wawcs0135458/ANZAC-Peace-Tour.html

The ANZAC Centennial tour package will include
14 nights with the first 7 days spent discovering
modern and ancient Turkey. Expert tour guides will
accompany the group and visits will be made to
both Istanbul and the capital Ankara. Rotary Club of
Goksu will be arranging special events including a
dinner cruise along the Bosphorus, the historic strait
that forms part of the boundary between Europe and
Asia, and an official Rotary meeting between the
Clubs of District 2420 and 9800.
Following on, a 7 night cruise has been arranged
from Istanbul to Athens. Our luxury ship will allow us
Rotary District 9800

Issue 6 of 2012/2013 August 31, 2012

6

RI Convention in Lisbon
By Bronwen Scarffe on behalf of the Organising Committee

It is now time for all Rotarians and their friends to consider including the
RI Convention in their travel plans for 2013 and we would love to know if
you would like to join the official District 9800 team who will be attending:
please email bronwenscarffe@harboursat.com
This information will assist us with our request for offical group housing
which needs to be submitted by September 4th. It is also a great time to
register because Early Bird Registration currently sits at US$265.00 till Dec
15th and this will increase markedly to US$365 by March 31st next year.
For information about reduced airline fares contact the Star Alliance
website click on Business solutions, Convention plus, For Delegates, then
enter the Convention Code TP02S13 and this will get you to the Flight
options/bookings site.
Regular updates will be forthcoming so look out for them and in the meantime talk
up this great opportunity to enjoy the company of Rotarians from around the globe,
to be inspired yet again and to learn more about Rotary.
The Convention Webpage is at http://www.riconvention.org/en/2013/Pages/ridefault.
aspx
Or watch the promotional video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qekmGavILc

Letter to the Editor
Dear Clarice,
Thanks a lot for sending me “The Networker”.
I’m sorry for not updating the information about our activity because I went to countryside (my village).
Basically, I want to tell you that, I am as a member of Rotaract Club of Dili - TimorLeste. I’ve been joined with RCD since February 2010 and currently my position as an
Assistant of Community Service as well as an English Tutor for Primary school. On the
other hand, Our main Project is to Provide English Course for the Students of Basic
School, Junior & Senior High School and also for Alfonut. And two other project are
Sanitation & reforestation. Apart from that Rotaract of Club Dili helping out the goverment for realizing the event that usually happens every year in Timor-Leste like Dili
Marathon, First Lady Cup, Fishing and Diving Competition and Tour de Timor.
I hope that will work together for developing our Club/organization.
On be half of Rotaract Club of Dili once again I would like say Thanks a lot for the Rotary District 9800.
Agusto Colo agustocolo@rocketmail.com
Clarice Replies: How nice to hear from you Agusto. We have three Rotaract Clubs in District 9800 who are all very
active. They are at Tullamarine, Monash University and Melbourne University, and I’m confident you can easily find
their Web or Facebook pages.

Rotary District 9800

Issue 6 of 2012/2013 August 31, 2012

7

Notices and Events

NOTICES

For a full Notices & Events calendar, visit the following link:
http://www.rotarydistrict9800.org.au/notices_and_events

CHANGE OF VENUE

Rotary Club of Werribee now meets at Santini’s Restaurant, 102 Watton St, Werribee.

Rotary Club of Caulfield now meets at BARCELO café, 312 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick
The RC Kyneton is now meeting at:The Piper Street Hotel,84 Piper Street Kyneton
Webmaster Stuart encourages other clubs to check their meeting locations on the district website.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS WANTED

World of Difference, Rotary Club of Echuca and Campaspe College of Adult Education
are working together….In October 2012 10 students will have the opportunity to immerse
themselves in the culture, history and daily life of Cambodia. Laptop computers are high on
the list for donations to take for the projects that they will volunteer at.
If you have any laptops that are now no longer used please let us share them with young
students and teachers who would treasure them.
Contact Bronwyn Stephens to arrange drop off or collection: 0410 32 4537. www.wod.org.au

RYPEN

The next RYPEN camp will be held on the weekend of Friday 26 – Sunday 28 October 2012. The cut off for applications is Monday 24 September 2012.
Dates: Friday 26 - Sunday 28 October 2012
Location: Camp Weekaway, Kitchenhams Road, Lancefield
Cost per participant: $286.00 (incl GST) per participant.

ROTARY COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

The annual Rotary Community Service Awards recognise the relationship between Community Service Organisations and their support partners. This program celebrates the vital contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility,
Philanthropy and other forms of business, government and Community support to the non profit sector, formally acknowledging their amazing contribution and showcasing some of the wonderful work being done in our community.
With major category award winners receiving cash awards to enable them to
further their work, the Rotary Community Service Awards formally acknowledge and showcase the amazing contributions of community-based organisations and the individuals within them.
The Awards also provide a well-deserved opportunity for Community Service
Organisations and their partners to celebrate their hard work, with a gala
evening providing uplifting celebration and entertainment.
Nominations close: 28th September
Gala event: 15th October
More information and nomination forms at http://www.communityserviceawards.org.au/

Charity Golf Day - Rotary Club of Brighton
Monday 24 September 2012 Huntingdale Golf Club
A teaching professional will be there to offer golfing tips. Enjoy a great game of golf and
then a sit down Gourmet BBQ meal to finish off the day. Excellent prizes are available
for winners. We invite you to join us again this year
Format: Ambrose, Fee $150 incl. GST:
Registration: 10:00 am - light lunch provided
Golf Clinic: 10:00 am - 12:30 noon Tee Off: 1:00 pm Drinks after golf: 5:00 pm
Gourmet dinner/Presentations: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm or later
Contact Ivan Vojlay Tel: 9592 9400 or 0416 210 002 Email: ivojlay@optusnet.com.au
Cameron Spence M 0413 777 111

A Celebratory Melbourne Concert for Australian Rotary Health.
Join 140 members of the Australian Doctors Orchestra (ADO) at 2.00 pm on the 16th
September in the Melbourne Town Hall when they give a concert for Australian Rotary
Health.
Ticket prices are $35.00 and $25.00 concession. Tickets available at the door or
please visit www.ado.net.au. Or contact Ron Adams on 9821044 or 0408 136 100 for
more information.

22nd
Sept

Celebrating 40 years of Service

24th
Sept

FOUNDATION - GRANTS SEMINAR

The Rotary Club of Melton invites all District 9800 clubs to help celebrate 40 years of service
to the Melton Community at its Birthday Dinner Dance, to be held at Tabcorp Park, Saturday
22nd September 2012. Cost $45.00 for 3 course meal. See the flyer at http://home.vicnet.net.
au/~rcmelton/events.html

Monday 24th September 2012 - 5.30 for 6.00 pm
Graduate House, 220 Leicester St., Carlton (phone 9347 3428)
Opening at 6 pm - evening to be concluded by 8.30 pm
Light food, tea and coffee, soft drinks available from 5.30 pm
Cost $15/registration fee
Clubs - consider covering the cost of your delegates as it is a great investment in your future programs
Please complete and return the Registration Form to Philip Rowell by 18th September - by either
email:prowell@bigpond.net.au or by mail to 6 Rose Court, Brighton. Vic. 3186.
Cheques payable to Rotary District 9800.

Rotary Melbourne South invite all District 9800
Clubs to join in a celebration to mark 60 years
since charter.
Thursday September 27th (Grand Final Week)
Jubilee Dinner at the Champions Room.
Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. A night
to celebrate the past and a night of Fun Raising
featuring Greg Champion. $95 per head
bookings@melbournesouthrotary.com.au

Contact the Editor
Do you have a letter for Clarice?
Is something on on your mind?
Send your thoughts to her email
address at
clarice@rotarydistrict9800.org.au

CAMCARE CONCERT - Rotary Club of Hawthorn
The Grand Camcare Concert will be held on 28th
October this year at Gennazano. It promises
to be an outstanding concert once again. Tony
Charlton has arranged a talented and diverse
group of musicians and entertainers for the
event who include:
The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Choir
Allan Kogasovski, piano: Sally Cooper, Violin
Rebecca Chambers, Classical pianist and former Young Australian of the
Year
Paul Jennings Comedian and impersonator
Blackburn High School Band
At only $25.00 this represents incredible value.
Proceeds will be shared between Camcare and club revenue.
Please call Noel Halford on 9889 1519 or 04118 901 to book.

NOVEMBER 2012
11th
Nov

CITY2SEA

SUNDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2012
THE CITY2SEA 14km FUN RUN STARTING AT THE ARTS CENTRE, AROUND ALBERT PARK LAKE AND FINISHING BY THE
SEA AT ST KILDA.
WE NEED 700 VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH DRINKS STATIONS, COURSE MARSHALLING AND GENERAL HELP!
Rotary District 9800 has again been asked again to source and
manage the 700 volunteers for this great event. Let us know
‘asap’ that you would like to be a part of this great event.
Contact Sandi Fulcher, City2Sea Event Coordinator
Mobile: 0416 063 434 or Work: 9686 0688
Email: sandi_fulcher@hotmail.com
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